Non-Bailable Warrant Issued Against Yediyurappa in POCSO Case: Ex-CM Accused of Minor’s Sexual Exploitation

Bengaluru Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant Against Former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa in POCSO Case

On Thursday, June 13, a Bengaluru court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa in a POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) case. An FIR was registered against the former Chief Minister for allegedly molesting a minor girl. The incident reportedly took place in Bengaluru on February 2. Yediyurappa has filed an anticipatory bail application in the Karnataka High Court, which is set for a hearing on Friday.

The CID issued a summons on Wednesday, asking him to appear for questioning. In response, his lawyer requested a week’s time, stating that Yediyurappa is currently in Delhi and will join the inquiry on June 17.

Based on the complaint filed by the minor’s mother, a case under POCSO and section 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code was registered against Yediyurappa at Sadashivanagar Police Station in Bengaluru. The complainant (the victim’s mother) passed away on May 26 due to lung cancer. The Karnataka DIG has transferred the case to the CID for further investigation.

Allegations Against Yediyurappa: Girl Went to Seek Help, Yediyurappa Assaulted Her

According to the FIR, the minor victim went to BS Yediyurappa’s residence in Dollars Colony, Bengaluru, on February 2 to seek help regarding a sexual harassment case she was involved in. It is alleged that Yediyurappa assaulted her at that time. When the victim left the room, she informed her mother about the alleged molestation.

The FIR was registered based on the complaint filed by the victim’s mother. However, after the case came to light, Yediyurappa’s office released some documents claiming that the woman who filed the FIR had previously filed 53 cases against different individuals.

Victim’s Mother Claims Yediyurappa Asked Them to Stay Silent

According to the FIR, the woman further alleged that when she confronted Yediyurappa about the incident, he said he was investigating whether the girl had been raped. Later, Yediyurappa allegedly apologized and asked the woman not to disclose the matter to anyone.

Yediyurappa’s Response: I Asked the Commissioner to Help the Woman, She Turned Against Me

In response to the allegations of sexual assault, BS Yediyurappa stated: “A few days ago, a woman came to my house crying, saying she had a problem. I asked her what the matter was and personally called the police, informing the commissioner and asking him to help her. Later, the woman started speaking against me.”

Yediyurappa added, “I took this matter to the police commissioner. Yesterday, the police filed a complaint against me. Let’s see what happens next. I can’t say if there’s any political motive behind this. I helped the victim by giving her money. The timing of the FIR is suspicious, as it happened just before the elections.”

BS Yediyurappa: Former Chief Minister of Karnataka

BS Yediyurappa served as the 19th Chief Minister of Karnataka. He held office briefly in 2007 for seven days, then from 2008 to 2011, for three days in May 2018, and finally from July 2019 until July 2021. He resigned in 2021 after a week of political drama and uncertainty. During his resignation announcement, Yediyurappa became emotional, stating that the people of Karnataka had lost faith in his government.

State Congress Government’s Response: The Case is Sensitive

In response to the allegations, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, “A woman has filed a complaint at Sadashivanagar police station against our former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, alleging molestation of her daughter. The police have registered a case and begun investigating. We cannot reveal anything until we know the truth. This is a very sensitive matter as it involves a former Chief Minister. We will see what the report says.”

G. Parameshwara added, “I don’t think there is any political angle to this. We don’t know the woman. She went to the police and filed a complaint. The police did not dismiss her and registered the case.”